The city’s phone lines are now open for anyone wanting to participate in a design charrette aimed at planning an affordable housing development for a controversial site in Akinsdale.
On Thursday the city finalized the hiring of a facilitator who will moderate a consultation process aimed at achieving a compromise for 70 Arlington Dr. where Habitat For Humanity wants to build an affordable housing complex.
There will be two round-table sessions: May 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. and May 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. Both sessions will be at the Kinsmen Banquet Centre at 47 Riel Dr. Participants can register with the city’s reception desk at 780-459-1500.
The purpose of the sessions will be to determine some form of affordable housing that would be acceptable to Habitat For Humanity, Akinsdale neighbours and the broader St. Albert community.
“Something’s going to be built there,” said St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse.
He’s still working on a list of topics that will and won’t be up for discussion. Ideas that won’t be entertained will include building something other than affordable housing, converting the space to a park or simply leaving it alone.
The city has invited Habitat For Humanity to participate. Otherwise, the sessions are open to anyone who wishes to pre-register, Crouse said.
There’s no limit to the number of people who can sign up, but if the number rises above 75, the city might try to adjust attendance between the two sessions or take other measures to handle the volume.
“Right now, we’re not limiting it. We’re just going to play it by ear,” Crouse said.
Habitat For Humanity, Edmonton and private sector partner Apollo Developments wanted to build 58 townhouse units on the site. Angry neighbours filled council chambers during three tense public hearing sessions last month, prompting council to pursue further consultation.
The city will pay about $25,000 to Populus Community Planning Inc., an Edmonton-based consulting firm, to facilitate the design charrette.
Principal Beth Sanders will present her findings to council at its public meeting on May 17. Sanders’ website describes her as a “conversation and process artist.” She worked for the city on its consultations on smart growth.
Crouse is confident the sessions will be productive.
“I am not just saying this because I should say this … I have full confidence that people who attend are going to roll their sleeves up and we are going to plan something for that area,” he said.
